Transcript Ergonomics Back Safety Exit Definition • “Ergon” = Work “nomics” = Study of • The science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities.

Ergonomics
Back Safety
Exit
Definition
• “Ergon” = Work “nomics” = Study of
• The science of fitting workplace
conditions and job demands to the
capabilities of workers.
• The goal is to find a “best fit” between
the worker and the job conditions.
Back Safety
Exit
Benefits of Ergonomics in the
Workplace
•
•
•
•
•
Reduce the risk of CTD
Increase productivity
Increase safety
Improve quality of work
Decrease fatigue and error
Back Safety
Exit
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are health disorders
arising from repeated biomechanical stress to the hands,
wrist, elbows, shoulders, neck, back
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect soft tissue of the
body in areas like the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand,
wrist, and fingers. These include nerves, tendons, cartilage,
ligaments, and muscles
Back Safety
Exit
Most Common CTDs
•
•
•
•
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Low back pain
Neck pain
Tendinitis
Back Safety
Exit
Risk Factors for CTDs
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Back Safety
Force
Repetition
Awkward Postures
Static Postures
Contact Stress
Temperature Extremes
Vibration
Psycho-social
ExitIssues
Risk Factors : FORCE
• amount of physical effort
required to maintain
control of equipment or
tools, or to perform a
task such as heavy
lifting, pushing, pulling,
or carrying
Back Safety
Exit
Risk Factors : REPETITION
• Occurs when the same or similar movements
are performed frequently.
• Injury may result when the tissues do not have
adequate time to recover.
Back Safety
Exit
Risk Factors : AWKWARD POSTURES
• Deviation from the “neutral”
body position.
• Awkward posture puts stress
on muscles, tendons and
joints.
Back Safety
Exit
Risk Factors : STATIC POSTURES
• Occurs when one position is
held for a prolonged period of
time.
• The muscles will become
fatigued from a lack of blood
flow during a static posture.
Back Safety
Exit
Risk Factors : CONTACT STRESS
• Caused by any sharp or hard object putting
localized pressure on a part of the body.
• Will irritate local tissues and interfere with
circulation and nerve function.
Back Safety
Exit
Risk Factors : TEMP. EXTREMES
• Can place stress on tissues.
• Extreme cold constricts blood
vessels and reduces sensitivity
and coordination of body parts.
Back Safety
• Excessive heat can result in
increased fatigue and heat
stress.
Exit
Risk Factors : VIBRATION
• Can occur while using power
tools or while driving
equipment.
• Place stress on the tissues of
the fingers, hand and arms.
• Whole body vibration from
driving puts stress on the spinal
Exit
Back
Safety
tissues.
Risk Factors : PSYCHO-SOCIAL
• Stress, boredom, job
dissatisfaction and anxiety can
contribute to the possibility of
developing a MSD.
Back Safety
• Psycho-social issues can create
increased muscle tension and
reduce a person’s awareness of
work technique.
Exit
How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??
By applying ergonomic principles to the
workplace, risk factors are minimized,
productivity is increased, and overall
workplace quality is improved.
Back Safety
Exit
How can we avoid CTDs/MSDs??
Improve body posture
• Maintain proper posture at all
times.
• Maintain the natural “S” curves of
the spine.
Back Safety
Exit
Standing posture
• Keep head directly over the
shoulders.
• Tighten the core abdominal mm
• Prop one foot in a stool to reduce
stress on low back
Back Safety
Exit
Sitting posture
Back Safety
Exit
How can we avoid CTDs?
• Prolonged static postures should be avoided (max
time is 20-30 mins)
• Change positions frequently.
• Stretch breaks can be incorporated into daily
tasks.
Back Safety
Exit
How can we avoid CTDs?
• Avoid lifting and bending
whenever you can.
• The best zone for lifting is
between the shoulders and
your waist.
Back Safety
Exit
How can we avoid CTDs?
Back Safety
• Use proper lifting
techniques.
• Take a balanced stance.
Squat down to lift the
object.
• Keep the object close to
the body.
• Avoid twisting.
Exit
Adjust the workstation
• Workstation must be adjusted to promote a
neutral position while a person works.
• Workstations must be easily adjustable to
accommodate the worker performing the task .
Back Safety
Exit
Check the environment
• Check lighting, noise and temperature.
• Check work pace and stress levels.
• Check work processes.
Back Safety
Exit
Get In Shape
• Strengthen your
stomach muscles,
lose a little weight,
increase your
flexibility.
Back Safety
Exit
Thank you…
Back Safety
Exit